Architecture Commons^™

Developing A Local Organizational Structure For Industrial Development, Center For Economic Development

Center for Economic Development Technical Reports

Many communities in Massachusetts currently utilize a variety of publicly-funded economic development organizations that help to generate and maintain economic activity and growth. Given the importance of economic development to cities and towns that are currently facing high unemployment rates, eroding tax bases and vacant space, it is crucial that these organizations operate effectively and receive the support necessary to continue their operations.

To date, however, the performance of many of these organizations has not been evaluated in a systematic manner, and the extent of their effectiveness is unknown. Only through a formal evaluation process can it be determined if …

Business Matchmaking Feasibility Study - Just Find The Right Fit: Western Massachusetts, Center For Economic Development

Center for Economic Development Technical Reports

This study explores the feasibility of a business matchmaking program for Western Massachusetts focusing on import substitution. Business matchmaking programs currently operate throughout the U.S.A. and Canada. Their goal is to retain capital in the area and develop the area's economy by linking local businesses to each other, and with national and global markets. Twelve operating programs were investigated and assessed for their adaptability to the Western Massachusetts context. Area businesses and economic experts were interviewed to determine if a similar program would work here.

From the twelve program models examined, four were selected as being the most applicable, and …

A Revitalization Study Main Street Returns For The Future Gardner, Massachusetts, Center For Economic Development

Center for Economic Development Technical Reports

This Regional Planning studio project was undertaken for the Gardner Industrial Foundation ("the Foundation"). The Foundation requested that we make development recommendations for a 20 acre site along Main Street, adjacent to the "Central Business District" of Gardner, Massachusetts. The Site, containing mostly vacant manufacturing facilities, is a large and visually significant part of the downtown area. It is visible from Route 2, the main transportation highway in the region and is the "gateway property" to Main Street and the Central Business District after exiting Route 2 and heading downtown. The Site is fast becoming an eyesore given the recent …

Proposed Relocation Feasibility Of The Steamship Authority Terminal: Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts, Center For Economic Development

Center for Economic Development Technical Reports

This studio project conducted by second year Regional Planning students from the University of Massachusetts examined the potential impacts of moving the Steamship Authority Ferry Terminal from its current location in downtown Tisbury to town owned land on Beach Road, just west of the Oak Bluffs draw bridge (See Figure 1). The Steamship Authority acts as the life line which connects Martha's Vineyard to the mainland. After a preliminary evaluation of limited data, safety emerged as the predominant concern associated with the relocation site. With the other impact categories essentially balancing each other out, is the additional risk associated with …

Inventory Of Industrial Property For Franklin County, Massachusetts, Center For Economic Development

Center for Economic Development Technical Reports

The inventory is presented in table format to facilitate easy reference. The towns are presented in alphabetical order and each parcel within the town by map and lot number.

A description of table categories is as follows:

• Map/Lot: Each parcel in town has a map and lot number for purposes of assessment. This reference to map and lot number may be used to locate a particular site on an assessor's map. This reference is also key in accessing any site or·owner information.

• Address: This field indicated the address for the site in question.

• Owner: This field provided …